The Union coach Jomar Wilkinson believes he has the right blend of players to make a successful defence of their Island Soccer League (ISL) title.

Wilkinson has held onto defenders Kamen Tucker and Kemon Simmons and attackers Dennis Russell and Shaki Pearman to form the nucleus of his squad, while also drafting in players he believes can fit into the team smoothly.

Newcomers Jahmel Swan, Kemo Smith, Blenn Bean, Tafari Outerbridge, Showande Butterfield, Jan Khan, Peter Sampson and Antoine Lightbourne have joined to fill the spots on the Union's roster.

"We're shaping up pretty good. Our first pick was Blenn and also Jahmel, two ball handlers and we wanted to compliment what we already had in our protected players so I feel we did a good job there," said Wilkinson, who helped Dandy Town to the Premier Division title this season.

"We're excited about beginning our defence, we have got players that can play how we want them to play with short touches, and with the likes of Dennis and Shaki along with Peter Sampson who we drafted we feel our chances are good.

"We also protected Kamen Tucker and Kemon Simmons to give us a good balance in our overall game play.

"It was important to get the role players because our two strikers had good seasons last year and by getting a few ball handlers, our game will be made easier in going from defence to attack."

While Wilkinson acknowledges there are a number of teams who will be looking to knock the Union off their perch this summer, namely Andrew Bascome's Storm, the Hornets assistant coach is more concerned about what his side must to do in order to improve on last season's performances.

He also admitted he missed out on Boulevard's Ian Coke and St. George's Jahron Dickinson in the ISL Superdraft.

"Andrew has some quality players as well that are capable of creating and scoring chances, but I feel that whoever we meet our chances will be good.

"We have players that are disciplined and will put in the work to get the job done.

"We wanted another attacking player in the early rounds.

"We had Ian Coke in mind as well as Jahron Dickinson, but due to being the champions we went last and the players were already off the board.

"But we will be ready and I don't have any complaints with the squad I have."

n Reggie Lambe helped Ipswich Town reserves to the LB Suffolk Premier Cup at Portman Road on Monday night.

The Tractor Boys comfortably beat Needham Market 4-1 with Billy Clark netting a brace, with the other goals coming from Lee Martin and Lambe.

Darren Bethell added a late consolation for the Ridgeons League side.

n Bermuda international Khano Smith was an unused substitute in New England Revolution's 2-0 defeat at San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.